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Living less than an hour from San Francisco, my family has a long list of go-to favorites that can easily fill the occasion when spare time might actually sneak into the family calendar. Exploring the Presidio, getting clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf or exploring Golden Gate Park are just a few of the things that pop into my mind. But I leave room on the list for new finds like San Jose, California.

Where is San Jose?

San Jose is located about an hour south of San Francisco. The third largest city in California …

October is here and even though I’m still not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, I have to admit a tinge of excitement because my family’s Halloween countdown has begun. You don’t have to be a kid to get into the spirit of Halloween in Northern California. All you have to do is enjoy a sense of mystery and know the way to San Jose.

About an hour south of San Francisco, the city of San Jose is home to the Winchester Mystery House. In 1884, Winchester rifle heiress, Sarah Winchester …

When I need a break from the daily grind, a weekend overnight or two at a luxury hotel does wonders.

Sometimes it’s just too challenging not to work while at home — my “to do” list is always calling and by Sunday night I feel like I’ve had no downtime.

As a consequence, I always have a list of favorite getaways ready for relaxation emergencies. In the San Francisco Bay Area, this list includes Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay …

The calendar may dictate the official start of fall in the San Francisco Bay Area, but for me fall begins when pumpkins start appearing on doorsteps.

It’s cheap and easy to grab one with the groceries at the store, but the memories made when you traipse through the dusty fields are priceless. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough weekends to explore all the great pumpkin patches in Northern California.

One of the best aspects of living in the San Francisco Bay Area is the abundance of weekend getaways within a 1-2 hour drive. A favorite option that is easy to access yet a world away is Half Moon Bay, a seaside town in San Mateo County.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is new to our luxury hotel portfolio. It’s not one of those properties that scream family with an endless list of onsite activities for kids; however, there are just enough things to do that parents and kids alike love spending time here.

You’re traveling to San Francisco with kids, and ready to see the sites and maybe have a few museum day or two. You have an itinerary you know that you (and maybe your spouse) will love. But the kids…they are ready to the Golden Gate, but not so anxious to spend the day at the de Young.

Local area summer camps can be just the trick to give your child a kid-oriented introduction to San Francisco while you savor more grown up activities.